customs-emblem

LAOS

The below information is a brief summary of customs regulations when you plan your international shipping to Laos.Always double check with your local embassy or consulate to make sure you have all the information you need before you make your move. Contact the nearest Laos Embassy.

When shipping goods overseas to Laos, the following items customs guidelines will need to be met:

  • A foreigner may import household goods and personal effects into Laos duty free under the following conditions:
    • He/she has diplomatic status or works for a registered foreign company.
    • He/she obtains a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs verifying his/her diplomatic status; or in the case of a non-diplomat, obtains a valid Laos work permit. Copies of the employer’s investment license and business license will also be required for non-diplomats. If the above criteria are met, only one sea and one air shipment are permitted duty free, and the shipper can only import one each of any electrical appliance duty free.
  • All other foreigners, who do not meet the above criteria, may import household goods and personal effects into Laos but they will be subject to duty. The duty amount varies and is often subject to negotiation with the customs department.
  • While the shipper does not have to be physically present at the port or airport during customs clearance, the original passport and original work permit (or diplomatic certificate) must be presented to the Lao authorities at the time of clearance. Thus, he/she must be in Laos for the shipment to clear through customs.

When shipping goods overseas to Laos, the following items are prohibited, but not limited to,  from entry into the country:

  • Firearms
  • Ammunition
  • Pornographic material
  • Reactionary publications

When shipping Motor Vehicles overseas to Laos, the following documents and regulations will apply:

  • Only a diplomat may import a vehicle into Laos duty free. He or she must obtain a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs verifying his/her status and requesting that customs permit duty free import.
  • For all other foreigners, it is almost impossible to import a vehicle into Laos. The procedures for a non-diplomat to import a vehicle into Laos are time consuming and tedious. The duty assessed can be as high as 300% of the new purchase value of the vehicle.

Moving Pets to Laos, The following documents must be presented for the importation of pets:

  • Many pets, including dogs, cats and birds, can be brought into Laos with no quarantine period required. The documents necessary at the time of import are a current health certificate, not more than 7 days old, and a current vaccination card.

If you are moving your household, commercial goods or motor vehicles to Phongali, Muang Sing, Pak Beng, Xam Nua or to another other city, please give us a call to go over any questions on documentation.

The regulations are subject to change without notice. Our company is not liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance.